Max Norton may not be the next Dave Grohl, but his journey sure feels the same. After more than a decade drumming at gigs ranging from Glastonbury to The Late Show with David Letterman, he now steps into the spotlight as a solo artist with his latest single, “Chains.”
Released earlier this year, Chains is a powerful indie rock anthem brimming with emotional clarity, and a yearning for liberation. What’s truly admirable here is that Max does not back down from being authentic and vulnerable, letting waves of catharsis wash over anyone that’s ever felt tied down by life.
Norton’s journey to this moment is integral to the song’s impact. Hailing from Tampa and shaped by his time spent as a supporting musician in Nashville and London, Norton has now broken free from his chains and relocated to The Shoals to pursue his solo career.
His background as a multi-instrumentalist gives Max a unique advantage, and every element in Chains is imbued with an unmistakable personal signature.
“Could you, could you, could you, could you, feel the same?
Could you, could you, could you, could you, be the change?
Do you, do you, do you, do you, see the rain?
Would you, would you, would you, break these chains”
They may look cliche when you read it, but with Max’s delivery, these repetitive phrases turn Chains into an instant earworm, and it’s almost impossible to stop nodding your head along to the beat.
This track balances conflicting themes masterfully, opening with soft acoustic strumming and hushed vocals, only to crescendo into a full-bodied indie rock chorus. Towards the end, Max ramps up the intensity, almost signaling a sense of desperation as the electric guitars and distortion pedals take over.
Chains is more than just another single; it’s a powerful statement of Max’s decision to step out from behind the drum kit and into the spotlight. We have no idea if it was the right path for Max himself, but if this track is any indication, it certainly was the best one for us the audience.
https://www.maxnortonmusic.com/